Method of treatment using nanoparticulate compositions having lysozyme as a surface stabilizer

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to nanoparticulate active agent compositions comprising lysozyme as a surface stabilizer. Also encompassed by the invention are pharmaceutical compositions comprising a nanoparticulate active agent composition of the invention and methods of making and using such nanoparticulate and pharmaceutical compositions.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/693,858, filed Dec. 4, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/292,091, filed Nov. 12, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No.8,323,641, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/357,514, filed Feb. 4, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,459,283, whichclaims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/353,230,filed Feb. 4, 2002. The contents of these applications are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to nanoparticulate formulations of anactive agent having lysozyme adsorbed onto or associated with thesurface of the agent as a surface stabilizer, and methods of making andusing such compositions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A. Background Regarding NanoparticulateCompositions

Nanoparticulate compositions, first described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,145,684(“the '684 patent”), are particles consisting of a poorly solubletherapeutic or diagnostic agent having adsorbed onto, or associatedwith, the surface thereof a non-crosslinked surface stabilizer. The '684patent describes the use of a variety of surface stabilizers fornanoparticulate compositions. The use of a lysozyme as a surfacestabilizer for nanoparticulate compositions, or any other component ofsuch compositions, is not described by the '684 patent.

The '684 patent describes a method of screening active agents toidentify useful surface stabilizers that enable the production of ananoparticulate composition. Not all surface stabilizers will functionto produce a stable, non-agglomerated nanoparticulate composition forall active agents. Moreover, known surface stabilizers may be unable toproduce a stable, non-agglomerated nanoparticulate composition forcertain active agents. Thus, there is a need in the art to identify newsurface stabilizers useful in making nanoparticulate compositions.Additionally, such new surface stabilizers may have superior propertiesover prior known surface stabilizers.

Methods of making nanoparticulate compositions are described, forexample, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,518,187 and 5,862,999, both for “Method ofGrinding Pharmaceutical Substances;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,718,388, for“Continuous Method of Grinding Pharmaceutical Substances;” and U.S. Pat.No. 5,510,118 for “Process of Preparing Therapeutic CompositionsContaining Nanoparticles.”

Nanoparticulate compositions are also described, for example, in U.S.Pat. No. 5,298,262 for “Use of Ionic Cloud Point Modifiers to PreventParticle Aggregation During Sterilization;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,302,401 for“Method to Reduce Particle Size Growth During Lyophilization;” U.S. Pat.No. 5,318,767 for “X-Ray Contrast Compositions Useful in MedicalImaging;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,326,552 for “Novel Formulation ForNanoparticulate X-Ray Blood Pool Contrast Agents Using High MolecularWeight Non-ionic Surfactants;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,328,404 for “Method ofX-Ray Imaging Using Iodinated Aromatic Propanedioates;” U.S. Pat. No.5,336,507 for “Use of Charged Phospholipids to Reduce NanoparticleAggregation;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,340,564 for “Formulations Comprising Olin10-G to Prevent Particle Aggregation and Increase Stability;” U.S. Pat.No. 5,346,702 for “Use of Non-Ionic Cloud Point Modifiers to MinimizeNanoparticulate Aggregation During Sterilization;” U.S. Pat. No.5,349,957 for “Preparation and Magnetic Properties of Very SmallMagnetic-Dextran Particles;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,352,459 for “Use ofPurified Surface Modifiers to Prevent Particle Aggregation DuringSterilization;” U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,399,363 and 5,494,683, both for“Surface Modified Anticancer Nanoparticles;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,401,492 for“Water Insoluble Non-Magnetic Manganese Particles as Magnetic ResonanceEnhancement Agents;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,429,824 for “Use of Tyloxapol as aNanoparticulate Stabilizer;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,447,710 for “Method forMaking Nanoparticulate X-Ray Blood Pool Contrast Agents Using HighMolecular Weight Non-ionic Surfactants;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,451,393 for“X-Ray Contrast Compositions Useful in Medical Imaging;” U.S. Pat. No.5,466,440 for “Formulations of Oral Gastrointestinal Diagnostic X-RayContrast Agents in Combination with Pharmaceutically Acceptable Clays;”U.S. Pat. No. 5,470,583 for “Method of Preparing NanoparticleCompositions Containing Charged Phospholipids to Reduce Aggregation;”U.S. Pat. No. 5,472,683 for “Nanoparticulate Diagnostic Mixed CarbamicAnhydrides as X-Ray Contrast Agents for Blood Pool and Lymphatic SystemImaging;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,500,204 for “Nanoparticulate Diagnostic Dimersas X-Ray Contrast Agents for Blood Pool and Lymphatic System Imaging;”U.S. Pat. No. 5,518,738 for “Nanoparticulate NSAID Formulations;” U.S.Pat. No. 5,521,218 for “Nanoparticulate Iododipamide Derivatives for Useas X-Ray Contrast Agents;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,525,328 for “NanoparticulateDiagnostic Diatrizoxy Ester X-Ray Contrast Agents for Blood Pool andLymphatic System Imaging;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,543,133 for “Process ofPreparing X-Ray Contrast Compositions Containing Nanoparticles;” U.S.Pat. No. 5,552,160 for “Surface Modified NSAID Nanoparticles;” U.S. Pat.No. 5,560,931 for “Formulations of Compounds as NanoparticulateDispersions in Digestible Oils or Fatty Acids;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,188for “Polyalkylene Block Copolymers as Surface Modifiers forNanoparticles;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,569,448 for “Sulfated Non-ionic BlockCopolymer Surfactant as Stabilizer Coatings for NanoparticleCompositions;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,571,536 for “Formulations of Compounds asNanoparticulate Dispersions in Digestible Oils or Fatty Acids;” U.S.Pat. No. 5,573,749 for “Nanoparticulate Diagnostic Mixed CarboxylicAnydrides as X-Ray Contrast Agents for Blood Pool and Lymphatic SystemImaging;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,573,750 for “Diagnostic Imaging X-Ray ContrastAgents;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,573,783 for “Redispersible Nanoparticulate FilmMatrices With Protective Overcoats;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,580,579 for“Site-specific Adhesion Within the GI Tract Using NanoparticlesStabilized by High Molecular Weight, Linear Poly(ethylene Oxide)Polymers;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,585,108 for “Formulations of OralGastrointestinal Therapeutic Agents in Combination with PharmaceuticallyAcceptable Clays;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,587,143 for “Butylene Oxide-EthyleneOxide Block Copolymers Surfactants as Stabilizer Coatings forNanoparticulate Compositions;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,456 for “MilledNaproxen with Hydroxypropyl Cellulose as Dispersion Stabilizer;” U.S.Pat. No. 5,593,657 for “Novel Barium Salt Formulations Stabilized byNon-ionic and Anionic Stabilizers;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,622,938 for “SugarBased Surfactant for Nanocrystals;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,628,981 for“Improved Formulations of Oral Gastrointestinal Diagnostic X-RayContrast Agents and Oral Gastrointestinal Therapeutic Agents;” U.S. Pat.No. 5,643,552 for “Nanoparticulate Diagnostic Mixed Carbonic Anhydridesas X-Ray Contrast Agents for Blood Pool and Lymphatic System Imaging;”U.S. Pat. No. 5,718,388 for “Continuous Method of GrindingPharmaceutical Substances;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,718,919 for “NanoparticlesContaining the R(−)Enantiomer of Ibuprofen;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,747,001 for“Aerosols Containing Beclomethasone Nanoparticle Dispersions;” U.S. Pat.No. 5,834,025 for “Reduction of Intravenously AdministeredNanoparticulate Formulation Induced Adverse Physiological Reactions;”U.S. Pat. No. 6,045,829 “Nanocrystalline Formulations of HumanImmunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Protease Inhibitors Using CellulosicSurface Stabilizers;” U.S. Pat. No. 6,068,858 for “Methods of MakingNanocrystalline Formulations of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)Protease Inhibitors Using Cellulosic Surface Stabilizers;” U.S. Pat. No.6,153,225 for “Injectable Formulations of Nanoparticulate Naproxen;”U.S. Pat. No. 6,165,506 for “New Solid Dose Form of NanoparticulateNaproxen;” U.S. Pat. No. 6,221,400 for “Methods of Treating MammalsUsing Nanocrystalline Formulations of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)Protease Inhibitors;” U.S. Pat. No. 6,264,922 for “Nebulized AerosolsContaining Nanoparticle Dispersions;” U.S. Pat. No. 6,267,989 for“Methods for Preventing Crystal Growth and Particle Aggregation inNanoparticle Compositions;” U.S. Pat. No. 6,270,806 for “Use ofPEG-Derivatized Lipids as Surface Stabilizers for NanoparticulateCompositions;” U.S. Pat. No. 6,316,029 for “Rapidly Disintegrating SolidOral Dosage Form,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,375,986 for “Solid DoseNanoparticulate Compositions Comprising a Synergistic Combination of aPolymeric Surface Stabilizer and Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate;” U.S.Pat. No. 6,428,814 for “Bioadhesive nanoparticulate compositions havingcationic surface stabilizers;” U.S. Pat. No. 6,431,478 for “Small ScaleMill;” and U.S. Pat. No. 6,432,381 for “Methods for targeting drugdelivery to the upper and/or lower gastrointestinal tract,” all of whichare specifically incorporated by reference. In addition, U.S. PatentApplication No. 20020012675 A1, published on Jan. 31, 2002, for“Controlled Release Nanoparticulate Compositions,” describesnanoparticulate compositions, and is specifically incorporated byreference.

Amorphous small particle compositions are described, for example, inU.S. Pat. No. 4,783,484 for “Particulate Composition and Use Thereof asAntimicrobial Agent;” U.S. Pat. No. 4,826,689 for “Method for MakingUniformly Sized Particles from Water-Insoluble Organic Compounds;” U.S.Pat. No. 4,997,454 for “Method for Making Uniformly-Sized Particles FromInsoluble Compounds;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,741,522 for “Ultrasmall,Non-aggregated Porous Particles of Uniform Size for Entrapping GasBubbles Within and Methods;” and U.S. Pat. No. 5,776,496, for“Ultrasmall Porous Particles for Enhancing Ultrasound Back Scatter.”

B. Background Regarding the Use of Lysozyme in PharmaceuticalCompositions

Lysozyme, also known as muramidase, N-acetylmuramylhydrolase, andglobulin GI, has a molecular weight of about 14,400. It is a mucolyticenzyme with antibiotic properties first discovered by A. Fleming, Proc.Roy. Soc. London, 93B:306 (1922). Lysozyme is found in tears, nasalmucus, milk, saliva blood serum, a great number of tissues andsecretions of different animals, vertebrates and invertebrates, eggwhite, some molds, and in the latex of different plants.

The structure of lysozyme consists of a single polypeptide linked byfour disulfide bridges. It lyses bacterial cell wall polysaccharides byhydrolyzing the 1,4-β-linkages between N-acetylmuramic acid andN-acetyl-D-glucosamine residues.

Although lysozyme has antibiotic properties, it is a large molecule thatis not particularly useful as a drug. It can be applied topically, butcannot rid the entire body of disease because it is too large to travelbetween cells.

A number of U.S. patents describe the use of lysozyme as an activeingredient in pharmaceutical compositions. See e.g., U.S. Pat. No.6,096,307 for “Compositions for Immunostimulation Containing EchinaceaAngustofolia, Bromelain, and Lysozyme,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,239,088 for“Nonirritating Cleansing Composition,” U.S. Pat. No. 5,458,876 for“Control of Microbial Growth with Antibiotic/lysozyme Formulations,” andU.S. Pat. No. 5,041,236 for “Antimicrobial Methods and CompositionsEmploying Certain Lysozymes and Endoglycosidases.”

There is a need in the art for new surface stabilizers useful inpreparing nanoparticulate compositions of active agents. The presentinvention satisfies this need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to nanoparticulate compositionscomprising a poorly soluble active agent and lysozyme as a surfacestabilizer adsorbed on to, or associated with, the surface of the activeagent.

Another aspect of the invention is directed to pharmaceuticalcompositions comprising a nanoparticulate composition of the invention.The pharmaceutical compositions preferably comprise a poorly solubleactive agent, lysozyme, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, aswell as any desired excipients.

In yet another embodiment, the invention is directed to bioadhesivenanoparticulate compositions comprising lysozyme. Such compositions cancoat the gut, or the desired site of application, and be retained for aperiod of time, thereby increasing the efficacy of the active agent aswell as eliminating or decreasing the frequency of dosing.

This invention further discloses a method of making a nanoparticulatecomposition having a lysozyme surface stabilizer adsorbed on orassociated with the surface of the active agent. Such a method comprisescontacting a poorly soluble nanoparticulate active agent with lysozymefor a time and under conditions sufficient to provide ananoparticle/lysozyme composition. The lysozyme surface stabilizer canbe contacted with the active agent either before, during, or after sizereduction of the active agent.

The present invention is further directed to a method of treatmentcomprising administering to a mammal a therapeutically effective amountof a nanoparticulate active agent/lysozyme composition according to theinvention.

Both the foregoing general description and the following detaileddescription are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to providefurther explanation of the invention as claimed. Other objects,advantages, and novel features will be readily apparent to those skilledin the art from the following detailed description of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to compositions comprisingnanoparticulate active agents having lysozyme as a surface stabilizeradsorbed on or associated with the surface thereof, and methods ofmaking and using such nanoparticulate compositions.

As taught in the '684 patent, not every combination of surfacestabilizer and active agent will result in a stable nanoparticulatecomposition. The discovery of the present invention is even moresurprising as other protein surface stabilizers were found to beineffective in attempts to make nanoparticulate compositions of varyingdrug classes and structures. Such ineffective protein stabilizersinclude fibrinogen, γ-globulin, albumin, and casein.

Moreover, an unexpected benefit of the nanoparticulate compositions ofthe invention is that the compositions are likely to exhibit bioadhesiveproperties. This is because lysozyme has a high isoelectric point(pI=11.35), which will likely result in stable nanoparticulatecompositions exhibiting relatively large, positive zeta potentials. Toincrease the bioadhesive properties of a nanoparticulate composition,one or more cationic surface stabilizers can be utilized.

Bioadhesive formulations of nanoparticulate active agents comprisinglysozyme exhibit exceptional bioadhesion to biological surfaces, such asmucous, skin, etc. The term bioadhesion refers to any attractiveinteraction between two biological surfaces or between a biological anda synthetic surface. In the case of bioadhesive nanoparticulatecompositions, the term bioadhesion is used to describe the adhesionbetween the nanoparticulate compositions and a biological substrate(i.e. gastrointestinal mucin, lung tissue, nasal mucosa, etc.). Seee.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,428,814 for “Bioadhesive NanoparticulateCompositions Having Cationic Surface Stabilizers,” which is specificallyincorporated by reference. There are basically two mechanisms which maybe responsible for this bioadhesion phenomena: mechanical or physicalinteractions and chemical interactions. The first of these, mechanicalor physical mechanisms, involves the physical interlocking orinterpenetration between a bioadhesive entity and the receptor tissue,resulting from a good wetting of the bioadhesive surface, swelling ofthe bioadhesive polymer, penetration of the bioadhesive entity into acrevice of the tissue surface, or interpenetration of bioadhesivecomposition chains with those of the mucous or other such relatedtissues. The second possible mechanism of bioadhesion incorporatesforces such as ionic attraction, dipolar forces, van der Waalsinteractions, and hydrogen bonds. It is this form of bioadhesion whichis primarily responsible for the bioadhesive properties of thenanoparticulate compositions of the invention. However, physical andmechanical interactions may also play a secondary role in thebioadhesion of such nanoparticulate compositions.

The bioadhesive nanoparticulate active agent compositions of theinvention are useful in any situation in which it is desirable to applythe compositions to a biological surface. The bioadhesivenanoparticulate active agent compositions of the invention coat thetargeted surface in a continuous and uniform film which is invisible tothe naked human eye.

In addition, a bioadhesive formulation slows the transit of theformulation, and some active agent particles would also most likelyadhere to other tissue than the mucous cells and therefore give aprolonged exposure to the active agent.

The adhesion exhibited by the inventive compositions means thatnanoparticulate active agent particles are not easily washed off, rubbedoff, or otherwise removed from the biological surface for an extendedperiod of time. The period of time in which a biological cell surface isreplaced is the factor that limits retention of the bioadhesivenanoparticulate active agent particles to that biological surface. Forexample, skin cells are replaced every 24-48 hours. Thus, thenanoparticulate active agent composition would have to be reapplied tothe skin every 48 hours. Mucous cells shed and are replaced about every5-6 hours.

The present invention is described herein using several definitions, asset forth below and throughout the application.

As used herein, “about” will be understood by persons of ordinary skillin the art and will vary to some extent on the context in which it isused. If there are uses of the term which are not clear to persons ofordinary skill in the art given the context in which it is used, “about”will mean up to plus or minus 10% of the particular term.

As used herein with reference to stable drug particles, ‘stable’ meansthat drug particles do not appreciably flocculate or agglomerate due tointerparticle attractive forces or otherwise increase in particle size.

‘Therapeutically effective amount’ as used herein with respect to a drugdosage, shall mean that dosage that provides the specificpharmacological response for which the drug is administered in asignificant number of subjects in need of such treatment. It isemphasized that ‘therapeutically effective amount,’ administered to aparticular subject in a particular instance will not always be effectivein treating the diseases described herein, even though such dosage isdeemed a ‘therapeutically effective amount’ by those skilled in the art.It is to be further understood that drug dosages are, in particularinstances, measured as oral dosages, or with reference to drug levels asmeasured in blood.

A. Compositions

The compositions of the invention comprise a nanoparticulate activeagent and lysozyme as a surface stabilizer adsorbed to or associatedwith the surface of the active agent. In addition, the compositions cancomprise one or more secondary surface stabilizers. Surface stabilizersuseful herein physically adhere to the surface of the nanoparticulateactive agent but do not chemically react with the active agent oritself. Individually molecules of the surface stabilizer are essentiallyfree of intermolecular cross-linkages.

The present invention also includes nanoparticulate compositions havinglysozyme as a stabilizer adsorbed on or associated with the surfacethereof, formulated into compositions together with one or morenon-toxic physiologically acceptable carriers, adjuvants, or vehicles,collectively referred to as carriers. The compositions can be formulatedfor parenteral injection, oral administration in solid, liquid, oraerosol form, rectal or topical administration, and the like.

1. Active Agent Particles

The nanoparticles of the invention comprise an active, therapeutic, ordiagnostic agent, collectively referred to as a “drug.” A therapeuticagent can be a pharmaceutical agent, including biologics such asproteins, peptides, and nucleotides, or a diagnostic agent, such as acontrast agent, including x-ray contrast agents. The active agent existseither as a discrete, crystalline phase, an amorphous phase, asemi-amorphous phase, a semi-crystalline phase, or mixtures thereof. Thecrystalline phase differs from a non-crystalline or amorphous phasewhich results from precipitation techniques, such as those described inEP Patent No. 275,796. Two or more active agents can be used incombination.

The invention can be practiced with a wide variety of active agents. Theactive agent is preferably present in an essentially pure form, ispoorly soluble, and is dispersible in at least one liquid dispersionmedium. By “poorly soluble” it is meant that the active agent has asolubility in the liquid dispersion medium of less than about 10 mg/mL,and preferably of less than about 1 mg/mL. Useful liquid dispersionmediums include, but are not limited to, water, aqueous salt solutions,safflower oil, and solvents such as ethanol, t-butanol, hexane, andglycol.

a. Active Agents Generally

The active agent can be selected from a variety of known classes ofdrugs, including, for example, proteins, peptides, nucleotides,anti-obesity drugs, nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, carotenoids,corticosteroids, elastase inhibitors, anti-fungals, oncology therapies,anti-emetics, analgesics, cardiovascular agents, anti-inflammatoryagents, anthelmintics, anti-arrhythmic agents, antibiotics (includingpenicillins), anticoagulants, antidepressants, antidiabetic agents,antiepileptics, antihistamines, antihypertensive agents, antimuscarinicagents, antimycobacterial agents, antineoplastic agents,immunosuppressants, antithyroid agents, antiviral agents, anxiolyticsedatives (hypnotics and neuroleptics), astringents, beta-adrenoceptorblocking agents, blood products and substitutes, cardiac inotropicagents, contrast media, corticosteroids, cough suppressants(expectorants and mucolytics), diagnostic agents, diagnostic imagingagents, diuretics, dopaminergics (antiparkinsonian agents),haemostatics, immunological agents, lipid regulating agents, musclerelaxants, parasympathomimetics, parathyroid calcitonin andbiphosphonates, prostaglandins, radio-pharmaceuticals, sex hormones(including steroids), anti-allergic agents, stimulants and anoretics,sympathomimetics, thyroid agents, vasodilators, and xanthines.

Exemplary nutraceuticals and dietary supplements are disclosed, forexample, in Roberts et al., Nutraceuticals: The Complete Encyclopedia ofSupplements, Herbs, Vitamins, and Healing Foods (American NutraceuticalAssociation, 2001), which is specifically incorporated by reference. Anutraceutical or dietary supplement, also known as phytochemicals orfunctional foods, is generally any one of a class of dietarysupplements, vitamins, minerals, herbs, or healing foods that havemedical or pharmaceutical effects on the body. Exemplary nutraceuticalsor dietary supplements include, but are not limited to, lutein, folicacid, fatty acids (e.g., DHA and ARA), fruit and vegetable extracts,vitamin and mineral supplements, phosphatidylserine, lipoic acid,melatonin, glucosamine/chondroitin, Aloe Vera, Guggul, glutamine, aminoacids (e.g., iso-leucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylanine,threonine, tryptophan, and valine), green tea, lycopene, whole foods,food additives, herbs, phytonutrients, antioxidants, flavonoidconstituents of fruits, evening primrose oil, flax seeds, fish andmarine animal oils, and probiotics. Nutraceuticals and dietarysupplements also include bio-engineered foods genetically engineered tohave a desired property, also known as “pharmafoods.”

Active agents to be administered in an aerosol formulation arepreferably selected from the group consisting of proteins, peptide,bronchodilators, corticosteroids, elastase inhibitors, analgesics,anti-fungals, cystic-fibrosis therapies, asthma therapies, emphysematherapies, respiratory distress syndrome therapies, chronic bronchitistherapies, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease therapies,organ-transplant rejection therapies, therapies for tuberculosis andother infections of the lung, fungal infection therapies, respiratoryillness therapies associated with acquired immune deficiency syndrome,an oncology drug, an anti-emetic, an analgesic, and a cardiovascularagent.

A description of these classes of active agents and a listing of specieswithin each class can be found in Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia,Twenty-ninth Edition (The Pharmaceutical Press, London, 1989),specifically incorporated by reference. The active agents arecommercially available and/or can be prepared by techniques known in theart.

b. Active Agents Useful in Dermal Applications

The active agents according to the present invention include, but arenot limited to, active agents which can be used in dermal applications,e.g., sunscreens, cosmetics, topical application of pharmaceuticals tothe dermis (acne medication, anti-wrinkle drugs, such as alpha-hydroxyformulations), nail polish, moisturizers, deodorant, etc.

Cosmetic compositions are generally defined as compositions suitable forapplication to the human body. Cosmetic compositions such as creams andlotions are used to moisturize the skin and keep it in a smooth, supplecondition. Pigmented cosmetic compositions, such as makeup, blush,lipstick, and eye shadow, are used to color the skin and lips. Sincecolor is one of the most important reasons for wearing cosmetics,color-containing cosmetics must be carefully formulated to providemaximum wear and effect.

One of the long standing problems with pigmented cosmetic compositions,such as face makeup, lipstick, mascara, and the like, is the tendency ofthe cosmetic to blot or transfer from the skin or lashes onto othersurfaces, such as glassware, silverware, or clothing. This blotting notonly creates soiling but it also forces the cosmetic user to reapplycosmetic at fairly short intervals.

Traditional pigmented cosmetic compositions are either water and oilemulsions containing pigments, or they are anhydrous systems containingwaxes, oils, and pigments.

These formulations are applied and blended into the skin to providecolor and to correct skin topography to provide an even, smoothappearance. The films are simply deposited on the surface of the skinand if touched with fingers the product may transfer or become blotchyand uneven. Perspiration or sebum will break through the film and causerunning or smearing. If skin comes into contact with clothing, theclothing may become soiled.

Other areas which benefit from the present invention include coloringagents, flavors, and fragrances. Coloring agents or pigments are used incosmetic applications as well as in fabric applications. Suitablepigments can be inorganic and/or organic. Also included within the termpigment are materials having a low color or luster, such as mattefinishing agents, and also light scattering agents. Examples of suitablepigments are iron oxides, acylglutamate iron oxides, ultramarine blue,D&C dyes, carmine, and mixtures thereof. Depending upon the type ofcosmetic composition, e.g., foundation or blusher, a mixture of pigmentswill normally be used.

Bioadhesive nanoparticulate cosmetic compositions satisfy a long-feltneed for cosmetic compositions that strongly adhere to the biologicalsurface to which they are applied.

Fragrances and odiferous compounds are also suitable for use in thepresent inventive compositions. Bioadhesive nanoparticulate compositionscomprising a fragrance or odiferous compound as an active agent couldprovide prolonged sensory stimulation following application; i.e., forup to 48 hours following application to the skin.

c. Active Agents Useful in Mucous Applications

Exemplary active agents to be applied to mucous include dentalapplications, such as oral bioadhesive nanoparticulate lidocainformulations, bioadhesive nanoparticulate fluoride treatments,application to the lungs, throat, GIT, application to wounds, etc. Alsoincluded is application to the throat using a liquid containing abioadhesive nanoparticulate formulation containing, for example, mentholor other numbing compound for treatment of coughs or sore throats. Thestomach and GIT can also be treated using bioadhesive formulations. Thisis particularly useful for treatment of diseases associated with themucous of the gastrointestinal tract, such as Crohn's Disease. Otherpharmaceutical therapeutic methodologies include oral dosing, nasaladministration, vaginal administration, ocular administration, colonic,and subcutaneous administration.

The compositions of the invention also encompass food products. Forexample, spice, oleoresin, flavor oil, color, or chemicals are oftenadded during food processing to produce the desirable flavors, taste,and appearance. These agents can be included in a bioadhesivenanoparticulate composition of the present invention for increasedadhesion to biological surfaces. Bioadhesive nanoparticulate flavoringagents could be used in products such as gums to produce prolongedflavor.

d. Active Agents Useful in Hair Applications

Biological substrates such as the hair are also encompassed by the scopeof the invention. Bioadhesive nanoparticulate compositions can be usedin hair conditioner formulations, hair dyes, hair sprays, haircosmetics, hair cleansers, depilatories, etc.

e. Active Agents Useful in Plant Tissue Applications

Yet another area of applicability of the present invention includesbioadhesive nanoparticulate compositions that can be applied to planttissue. Because of the difficulty in solubilizing some agriculturalagents (i.e., some agricultural agents are applied as insolublepowders), the present invention provides a superior application methodfor plants as compared to prior art plant application methods.

Bioadhesive nanoparticulate compositions can be used for applications ofpesticides, insecticides, fertilizers, etc.—any substance to be appliedto the surface of a plant. All plants, such as grass, trees, commercialfarm crops (such as corn, soybeans, cotton, vegetables, fruit, etc),weeds, etc., are encompassed by the scope of this invention.

In one embodiment of the invention, the active agent of the bioadhesivenanoparticulate composition is an insecticidal ingredient applied toseeds, plants, trees, harvested crops, soil, and the like. Theinsecticide ingredient can be selected from a wide variety of organiccompounds or mixtures which are known and used in agriculture andhorticulture applications, such as those listed in W. T. Thomson,Agricultural Chemicals, Book I, Insecticides (Thomson Publications,Fresno, Calif. 1989).

The general categories of insecticidal-active organic compounds includechlorinated hydrocarbon derivatives, phosphorated derivatives,pyrethroids, acylureas, and the like. Chlorinated hydrocarboninsecticides usually act as stomach and contact poisons affecting thenervous system. They are persistent in the environment and tend toaccumulate in animal fatty tissue, as exemplified by DDT and chlordane.

Illustrative of other insecticidal compounds are chlorfluazuron,chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos methyl, bromophos, diazinon, malathion,trichlorfon, dimethoate, phorate, lindane, toxaphene, diflubenuron,methomyl, propoxur, carbaryl, cyhexatin, cypermethrin, permethrin,fenvalerate, dicofol, tetradifon, propargite, and the like. Otherexamples of insecticides include the pyrethroid insecticides, such aFenvalerate™[α-cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-methylvalerate] andPyrethroid™[cyano(4-fluoro-3-phenoxyphenylmethyl-3-(2,2-dichloroethenyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate]; organophosphorus insecticides, such as DDVP™(2,2-dichlorovinyldimethyl phosphate), Sumithion™(dimethyl-4-nitro-m-tolylphosphorothionate), Malathone™{S-[1,2-bis(ethoxycarbonyl)ethyl]dimethyl-phosphorothiol thionate},Dimethoate [dimethyl-S—(N-methylcarbamoylmethyl)-phosphorothiosthionate), Elsan™{S-[.alpha.-(ethoxycarbonyl)benzyl]dimethylphosphorothio]thionate), andBaycid™ [O,O-dimethyl-O-(3-methyl-4-methylmercaptophenyl)thiophosphate];carbamate; insecticides such as Bassa™ (O-butylphenyl methylcarbamate),MTMC™ (m-tolyl methylcarbamate), Meobal™(3,4-dimethylphenyl-N-methylcarbamate), and NAC™(1-naphthyl-N-methylcarbamate); as well as Methomyl™{methyl-N[(methylcarbamoyl)-oxy]thioacetimide}, and Cartap™{1,3-bis(carbamolythio)-2-(N,N-dimethylamino)propane hydrochloride}.

Examples of other agricultural agents include acaricides such as, butnot limited to, Smite™{2-[2-(p-tert-butylphenoxy)isopropoxy]isopropyl-2-chloroethyl sulfide},Acricid™ (2,4-dinitro-6-sec-butylphenyl dimethylacrylate), Chlormit™(isopropyl 4,4-dichlorobenzylate), Acar™ (ethyl 4,4-dichlorobenzylate),Kelthane™ [1,1-bis(p-chlorophenyl)-2,2,2-trichloroethanol], Citrazon™(ethyl O-benzoyl-3-chloro-2,6-dimethoxybenzohydroxymate), Plictran™(tricyclohexyltin hydroxide), and Omite™[2-(p-tert-butylphenoxy)cyclohexyl-2-propinyl sulfite].

Examples of germicides include organosulfur germicides, such as Dithane™(zinc ethylenebisdithiocarbamate), Maneo™ (manganeseethylenebis-dithiocarbamate), Thiuram™[bis(dimethylthiocarbamoyl)disulfide], Benlate™ [methyl1-(butylcarbamoyl)-2-benzimidazole carbamate], Difolatan™(N-tetrachloroethylthio-4-cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylmide), Daconol™(tetrachloroisophthalonitrile), Pansoil™(5-ethoxy-3-trichloromethyl-1,2,4-thiadiazole),Thiophanate-methyl[1,2-bis(3-methoxycarbonyl-2-thioureido)benzene],Rabcide™ (4,5,6,7-tetrachlorophthaloid), Kitazin P™(O,O-diisopropyl-5-benzyl phosphorothioate), Hinonsan™(O-ethyl-S,S-diphenyldithiophosphate), and Propenazol™(3-allyloxy-1,2-benzothiazole 1,1-dioxide).

Example of plant growth regulating agents include, but are not limitedto, MH™ (maleic acid hydrazide) and Ethrel™ (2-chloroethylphosphonicacid).

Examples of herbicides include, but are not limited to Stam™(3,4-dichloropropionanilide), Saturn™ [S-(4-chlorobenzyl)N,N-diethylthiolcarbamate), Lasso(2-chloro-2′,6′-diethyl-N-(methoxymethyl)acetanilide), Glyphosate™[N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine isopropylamine salt], DCMU[3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea), and Gramoxone™(1,1′-dimethyl-4,4′-dipyridium dichloride].

Other herbicides contemplated for use in the present invention includeauxin transport inhibitors, e.g., naptalam; growth regulators, includingbenzoic acids, e.g., dicamba; phenoxy acids, such as (i) acetic acidtype, e.g., 2,4-D, MCPA, (ii) propionic acid type, e.g., 2,4-DP, MCPP,and (iii) butyric acid type, e.g., 2,4-DB, MCPB; picolinic acids andrelated compounds, e.g., picloram, triclopyr, fluoroxypyr, andclopyralid.

Photosynthesis inhibitors are also herbicides useful in the compositionsof the invention. Such compounds include but are not limited to (a)s-triazines, such as (i) chloro substituted, e.g., atrazine, simazine,and cyanazine, (ii) methoxy substituted, e.g., prometon, (iii)methylthio substituted, e.g., ametryn and prometryn; (b) othertriazines, such as hexazinone, and metribuzin; (c) substituted ureas,such as diuron, fluometuron, linuron, tebuthiuron, thidiazuron, andforchlorfenuron; (d) uracils, such as bromacil and terbacil; and (e)others, such as bentazon, desmedipham, pheninedipham, propanil, pyrazon,and pyridate.

Pigment inhibitors are also herbicides useful in the compositions of theinvention. Such compounds include but are not limited to pyridazinones,such as norflurazon; isoxazolones, such as clomazone; and others, suchas amitrole and fluridone.

In yet another aspect of the invention, growth inhibitors are herbicidesuseful in the compositions of the invention. Such compounds include butare not limited to (a) mitotic disruptors, such as (i) dinitroanilines,e.g., trifluralin, prodiamine, benefin, ethalfluralin, isopropalin,oryzalin, and pendimethalin; and (ii) others, such as DCPA, dithiopyr,thiazopyr, and pronamide; (b) inhibitors of shoots of emergingseedlings, such as (i) thiocarbamates, e.g., EPTC, butylate, cycloate,molinate, pebulate, thiobencarb, triallate, and vernolate; (c)inhibitors of roots only of seedlings, such as bensulide, napropamide,and siduron; and (d) inhibitors of roots and shoots of seedlings,including chloroacetamides, such as alachlor, acetochlor, metolachlor,diethatyl, propachlor, butachlor, pretilachlor, metazachlor,dimethachlor, and cinmethylin.

Amino acid synthesis inhibitors are herbicides useful in thecompositions of the invention. Such compounds include, but are notlimited to, (a) glyphosate, glufosinate; (b) sulfonylureas, such asrimsulfuron, metsulfuron, nicosulfuron, triasulfuron, primisulfuron,bensulfuron, chlorimuron, chlorsulfuron, sulfometuron, thifensulfuron,tribenuron, ethametsulfuron, triflusulfuron, clopyrasulfuron,pyrazasulfuron, prosulfuron (CGA-152005), halosulfuron,metsulfuron-methyl, and chlorimuron-ethyl; (c) sulfonamides, such asflumetsulam (a.k.a. DE498); (d) imidazolinones, such as imazaquin,imazamethabenz, imazapyr, imazethapyr, and imazmethapyr.

Lipid biosynthesis inhibitors are herbicides useful in the compositionsof the invention. Such compounds include, but are not limited to, (a)cyclohexanediones, such as sethoxydim and clethodim; (b)aryloxyphenoxys, such as fluazifop-(P-butyl), diclofop-methyl,haloxyfop-methyl, and quizalofop; and (c) others, such asfenoxaprop-ethyl.

Cell wall biosynthesis inhibitors are herbicides useful in thecompositions of the invention. Such compounds include, but are notlimited to, dichlobenil and isoxaben.

Rapid cell membrane disruptors are herbicides useful in the compositionsof the invention. Such compounds include, but are not limited to, (a)bipyridiliums, such as paraquat, and diquat; (b) diphenyl ethers, suchas acifluorfen, fomesafen, lactofen, and oxyfluorfen; (c) glutaminesynthetase inhibitors, such as glufosinate; and (d) others, such asoxadiazon.

Miscellaneous herbicides useful in the compositions of the inventioninclude, but are not limited to, (a) carbamates, such as asulam; (b)nitriles, such as bromoxynil and ioxynil; (c) hydantocidin andderivatives; and (d) various other compounds, such as paclobutrazol,ethofumesate, quinclorac (a.k.a. BAS514), difenzoquat, endothall,fosamine, DSMA, and MSMA.

Other herbicides useful in the compositions of the invention include,but are not limited to, triketones and diones of the type described inU.S. Pat. Nos. 5,336,662 and 5,608,101, the contents of each of whichare incorporated herein by reference, and in EP-A-338-992; EP-A-394-889;EP-A-506,967; EP-A-137,963; EP-A-186-118; EP-A-186-119; EP-A-186-120;EP-A-249-150; and EP-A-336-898. Examples of such triketones and dionesare sulcotrione (MIKADO™), whose chemical designation is2-(2-chloro-4-methanesulfonylbenzoyl)-1,3-cyclohexanedione:2-(4-methylsulfonyloxy-2-nitrobenzoyl)-4,4,6,6-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclohexanedione;3-(4-methylsulfonyloxy-2-nitrobenzoyl)-bicyclo[3,2,1]octane-2,4-dione3-(4-methylsulfonyl-2-nitrobenzoyl)-bicyclo[3,2,1]octane-2,4-dione;4-(4-chloro-2-nitrobenzoyl)-2,6,6-trimethyl-2H-1,2-oxazine-3,5(4H,6H)dione;4-(4-methylthio-2-nitrobenzoyl)-2,6,6-trimethyl-2H-1,2-oxazine-3,5(4H,6H)-dione;3-(4-methylthio-2-nitrobenzoyl)-bicyclo[3,2,1]octane-2,4-dione;4-(2-nitro-4-trifluoromethoxybenzoyl)-2,6,6-trimethyl-2H-1,2-oxazine-3,5(4H,6H)-dione.

Herbicidal compounds useful in the nanoparticulate compositions of theinvention are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,506,192; EP-A-461,079;EP-A-549,524; EP-A-315,589 and PCT Appln. No. 91/10653. The contents ofall of the cited references are incorporated herein by reference;including for example3-[(4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidinyl)hydroxymethyl]-N-methyl-2-pyridinecarboxamide;4,7-dichloro-3-(4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidinyl)-3-hexanoyloxyphthalide;3-[(4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidinyl)carbonyl]-N,N-dimethyl-2-pyridinecarboxamide;3,6-dichloro-2-[(4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidinyl)carbonyl]benzoic acid;6-chloro-2-[(4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidinyl)thio]benzoic acid (a.k.a.DPX-PE350 or pyrithiobac) and salts thereof.

f. Active Agents in Miscellaneous Applications

Other exemplary uses of the novel bioadhesive formulations are provided:teeth can be treated with teeth whiteners or fluoride bioadhesivecompositions; bones can be treated with calcium bioadhesivecompositions; nails can be treated with color or strengtheningbioadhesive formulations; insects or pests can be treated withinsecticides or other toxic compositions to the pest. In sum, thecompositions are useful in treating any biological surface, or a surfacederived from a biological material. Feathers and scales of animals canbe treated, as well as other animal biological surfaces such as chitin.

2. Lysozyme Surface Stabilizer

The choice of a surface stabilizer is non-trivial and usually requiresextensive experimentation to realize a desirable formulation.Accordingly, the present invention is directed to the surprisingdiscovery that lysozyme, used as a nanoparticulate surface stabilizer,yields stable nanoparticulate compositions that exhibit low degrees ofaggregation. This discovery is particularly unexpected as it was foundthat nanoparticulate compositions employing other protein surfacestabilizers, such as casein, albumin, γ-globulin, and fibrinogen, giverise to unstable dispersions with concomitant and severe aggregation.

An unexpected benefit of the nanoparticulate compositions of theinvention is that the compositions are likely to exhibit bioadhesiveproperties. This is because lysozyme has a high isoelectric point(pI=11.35), which will likely result in stable nanoparticulatecompositions exhibiting relatively large, positive zeta potentials.

3. Auxiliary Surface Stabilizers

The compositions of the invention can also include one or more auxiliaryor secondary surface stabilizers in addition to lysozyme. Suitableauxiliary surface stabilizers can preferably be selected from knownorganic and inorganic pharmaceutical excipients. Such excipients includevarious polymers, low molecular weight oligomers, natural products, andsurfactants. Preferred surface stabilizers include nonionic, ionic,cationic, and zwitterionic surfactants. Two or more surface auxiliarystabilizers can be used in combination.

Depending upon the desired method of administration, bioadhesiveformulations of nanoparticulate compositions can be prepared byselecting one or more cationic surface stabilizers that impartbioadhesive properties to the resultant composition.

Representative examples of auxiliary surface stabilizers include cetylpyridinium chloride, gelatin, casein, lecithin (phosphatides), dextran,glycerol, gum acacia, cholesterol, tragacanth, stearic acid,benzalkonium chloride, calcium stearate, glycerol monostearate,cetostearyl alcohol, cetomacrogol emulsifying wax, sorbitan esters,polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers (e.g., macrogol ethers such as cetomacrogol1000), polyoxyethylene castor oil derivatives, polyoxyethylene sorbitanfatty acid esters (e.g., the commercially available Tweens® such ase.g., Tween 20® and Tween 80® (ICI Specialty Chemicals)); polyethyleneglycols (e.g., Carbowaxes 3350® and 1450®, and Carbopol 934® (UnionCarbide)), dodecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide, polyoxyethylenestearates, colloidal silicon dioxide, phosphates, sodium dodecylsulfate,carboxymethylcellulose calcium, hydroxypropyl celluloses (e.g., HPC,HPC-SL, and HPC-L), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC),carboxymethylcellulose sodium, methylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose,hydroxypropylmethyl-cellulose phthalate, noncrystalline cellulose,magnesium aluminum silicate, triethanolamine, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA),polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), 4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)-phenol polymerwith ethylene oxide and formaldehyde (also known as tyloxapol,superione, and triton), poloxamers (e.g., Pluronics F68® and F108®,which are block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide);poloxamines (e.g., Tetronic 908®, also known as Poloxamine 908®, whichis a tetrafunctional block copolymer derived from sequential addition ofpropylene oxide and ethylene oxide to ethylenediamine (BASF WyandotteCorporation, Parsippany, N.J.)); a charged phospholipid such asdimyristoyl phophatidyl glycerol, sodium lauryl sulfate,dioctylsulfosuccinate (DOSS); Tetronic 1508® (T-1508) (BASF WyandotteCorporation), dialkylesters of sodium sulfosuccinic acid (e.g., AerosolOT®, which is a dioctyl ester of sodium sulfosuccinic acid (CytecIndustries, West Paterson, N.J.)); Duponol P®, which is a sodium laurylsulfate (DuPont); Triton X-200®, which is an alkyl aryl polyethersulfonate (Union Carbide); Crodestas F-110®, which is a mixture ofsucrose stearate and sucrose distearate (Croda Inc.);p-isononylphenoxypoly-(glycidol), also known as Olin-10G® or Surfactant10-G® (Olin Chemicals, Stamford, Conn.); Crodestas SL-40® (Croda, Inc.);decanoyl-N-methylglucamide; n-decyl β-D-glucopyranoside; n-decylβ-D-maltopyranoside; n-dodecyl β-D-glucopyranoside; n-dodecylβ-D-maltoside; heptanoyl-N-methylglucamide;n-heptyl-β-D-glucopyranoside; n-heptyl β-D-thioglucoside; n-hexylβ-D-glucopyranoside; nonanoyl-N-methylglucamide; n-noylβ-D-glucopyranoside; octanoyl-N-methylglucamide;n-octyl-β-D-glucopyranoside; octyl β-D-thioglucopyranoside; randomcopolymers of vinyl acetate and vinyl pyrrolidone, and the like. Two ormore surface stabilizers can be used in combination.

Examples of useful cationic surface stabilizers include, but are notlimited to, polymers, biopolymers, polysaccharides, cellulosics,alginates, phospholipids, and nonpolymeric compounds, such aszwitterionic stabilizers, poly-n-methylpyridinium, anthryul pyridiniumchloride, cationic phospholipids, chitosan, polylysine,polyvinylimidazole, polybrene, polymethylmethacrylatetrimethylammoniumbromide bromide (PMMTMABr), hexyldesyltrimethylammoniumbromide (HDMAB), polyvinylpyrrolidone-2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylatedimethyl sulfate, 1,2Dipalmitoyl-sn-Glycero-3-Phosphoethanolamine-N-[Amino(PolyethyleneGlycol)2000](sodium salt) (also known as DPPE-PEG(2000)-Amine Na)(Avanti Polar Lipids, Alabaster, Al), Poly(2-methacryloxyethyltrimethylammonium bromide) (Polysciences, Inc., Warrington, Pa.) (alsoknown as S1001), poloxamines such as Tetronic 908®, also known asPoloxamine 908®, which is a tetrafunctional block copolymer derived fromsequential addition of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide toethylenediamine (BASF Wyandotte Corporation, Parsippany, N.J.),lysozyme, long-chain polymers such as alginic acid, carrageenan (FMCCorp.), and POLYOX (Dow, Midland, Mich.).

Other useful cationic stabilizers include, but are not limited to,cationic lipids, sulfonium, phosphonium, and quarternary ammoniumcompounds, such as stearyltrimethylammonium chloride,benzyl-di(2-chloroethyl)ethylammonium bromide, coconut trimethylammonium chloride or bromide, coconut methyl dihydroxyethyl ammoniumchloride or bromide, decyl triethyl ammonium chloride, decyl dimethylhydroxyethyl ammonium chloride or bromide, C₁₂₋₁₅dimethyl hydroxyethylammonium chloride or bromide, coconut dimethyl hydroxyethyl ammoniumchloride or bromide, myristyl trimethyl ammonium methyl sulphate, lauryldimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride or bromide, lauryl dimethyl(ethenoxy)₄ammonium chloride or bromide, N-alkyl(C₁₂₋₁₈)dimethylbenzyl ammoniumchloride, N-alkyl(C₁₄₋₁₈)dimethyl-benzyl ammonium chloride,N-tetradecylidmethylbenzyl ammonium chloride monohydrate, dimethyldidecyl ammonium chloride, N-alkyl and (C₁₂₋₁₄)dimethyl 1-napthylmethylammonium chloride, trimethylammonium halide, alkyl-trimethylammoniumsalts and dialkyl-dimethylammonium salts, lauryl trimethyl ammoniumchloride, ethoxylated alkyamidoalkyldialkylammonium salt and/or anethoxylated trialkyl ammonium salt, dialkylbenzene dialkylammoniumchloride, N-didecyldimethyl ammonium chloride,N-tetradecyldimethylbenzyl ammonium, chloride monohydrate,N-alkyl(C₁₂₋₁₄)dimethyl 1-naphthylmethyl ammonium chloride anddodecyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride, dialkyl benzenealkyl ammoniumchloride, lauryl trimethyl ammonium chloride, alkylbenzyl methylammonium chloride, alkyl benzyl dimethyl ammonium bromide, C₁₂, C₁₅, C₁₇trimethyl ammonium bromides, dodecylbenzyl triethyl ammonium chloride,poly-diallyldimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC), dimethyl ammoniumchlorides, alkyldimethylammonium halogenides, tricetyl methyl ammoniumchloride, decyltrimethylammonium bromide, dodecyltriethylammoniumbromide, tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide, methyl trioctylammoniumchloride (ALIQUAT 336™), POLYQUAT 100™, tetrabutylammonium bromide,benzyl trimethylammonium bromide, choline esters (such as choline estersof fatty acids), benzalkonium chloride, stearalkonium chloride compounds(such as stearyltrimonium chloride and Di-stearyldimonium chloride),cetyl pyridinium bromide or chloride, halide salts of quaternizedpolyoxyethylalkylamines, MIRAPOL™ and ALKAQUAT™ (Alkaril ChemicalCompany), alkyl pyridinium salts; amines, such as alkylamines,dialkylamines, alkanolamines, polyethylenepolyamines,N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl acrylates, and vinyl pyridine, amine salts, suchas lauryl amine acetate, stearyl amine acetate, alkylpyridinium salt,and alkylimidazolium salt, and amine oxides; imide azolinium salts;protonated quaternary acrylamides; methylated quaternary polymers, suchas poly[diallyl dimethylammonium chloride] and poly-[N-methyl vinylpyridinium chloride]; and cationic guar.

Such exemplary cationic surface stabilizers and other useful cationicsurface stabilizers are described in J. Cross and E. Singer, CationicSurfactants: Analytical and Biological Evaluation (Marcel Dekker, 1994);P. and D. Rubingh (Editor), Cationic Surfactants: Physical Chemistry(Marcel Dekker, 1991); and J. Richmond, Cationic Surfactants: OrganicChemistry, (Marcel Dekker, 1990).

Nonpolymeric cationic surface stabilizers are any nonpolymeric compound,such as benzalkonium chloride, a carbonium compound, a phosphoniumcompound, an oxonium compound, a halonium compound, a cationicorganometallic compound, a quarternary phosphorous compound, apyridinium compound, an anilinium compound, an ammonium compound, ahydroxylammonium compound, a primary ammonium compound, a secondaryammonium compound, a tertiary ammonium compound, and quarternaryammonium compounds of the formula NR₁R₂R₃R₄ ⁽⁺⁾. For compounds of theformula NR₁R₂R₃R₄ ⁽⁺⁾:

-   -   (i) none of R₁-R₄ are CH₃;    -   (ii) one of R₁-R₄ is CH₃;    -   (iii) three of R₁-R₄ are CH₃;    -   (iv) all of R₁-R₄ are CH₃;    -   (v) two of R₁-R₄ are CH₃, one of R₁-R₄ is C₆H₅CH₂, and one of        R₁-R₄ is an alkyl chain of seven carbon atoms or less;    -   (vi) two of R₁-R₄ are CH₃, one of R₁-R₄ is C₆H₅CH₂, and one of        R₁-R₄ is an alkyl chain of nineteen carbon atoms or more;    -   (vii) two of R₁-R₄ are CH₃ and one of R₁-R₄ is the group        C₆H₅(CH₂)_(n), where n>1;    -   (viii) two of R₁-R₄ are CH₃, one of R₁-R₄ is C₆H₅CH₂, and one of        R₁-R₄ comprises at least one heteroatom;    -   (ix) two of R₁-R₄ are CH₃, one of R₁-R₄ is C₆H₅CH₂, and one of        R₁-R₄ comprises at least one halogen;    -   (x) two of R₁-R₄ are CH₃, one of R₁-R₄ is C₆H₅CH₂, and one of        R₁-R₄ comprises at least one cyclic fragment;    -   (xi) two of R₁-R₄ are CH₃ and one of R₁-R₄ is a phenyl ring; or    -   (xii) two of R₁-R₄ are CH₃ and two of R₁-R₄ are purely aliphatic        fragments.

Such compounds include, but are not limited to, behenalkonium chloride,benzethonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, behentrimoniumchloride, lauralkonium chloride, cetalkonium chloride, cetrimoniumbromide, cetrimonium chloride, cethylamine hydrofluoride,chlorallylmethenamine chloride (Quaternium-15), distearyldimoniumchloride (Quaternium-5), dodecyl dimethyl ethylbenzyl ammoniumchloride(Quaternium-14), Quaternium-22, Quaternium-26, Quaternium-18hectorite, dimethylaminoethylchloride hydrochloride, cysteinehydrochloride, diethanolammonium POE (10) oletyl ether phosphate,diethanolammonium POE (3)oleyl ether phosphate, tallow alkoniumchloride, dimethyl dioctadecylammoniumbentonite, stearalkonium chloride,domiphen bromide, denatonium benzoate, myristalkonium chloride,laurtrimonium chloride, ethylenediamine dihydrochloride, guanidinehydrochloride, pyridoxine HCl, iofetamine hydrochloride, megluminehydrochloride, methylbenzethonium chloride, myrtrimonium bromide,oleyltrimonium chloride, polyquaternium-1, procainehydrochloride,cocobetaine, stearalkonium bentonite, stearalkoniumhectonite, stearyltrihydroxyethyl propylenediamine dihydrofluoride, tallowtrimoniumchloride, and hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide.

Most of these surface stabilizers are known pharmaceutical excipientsand are described in detail in the Handbook of PharmaceuticalExcipients, published jointly by the American Pharmaceutical Associationand The Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (The PharmaceuticalPress, 2000), specifically incorporated by reference. The surfacestabilizers are commercially available and/or can be prepared bytechniques known in the art.

4. Nanoparticulate Active Agent/Lysozyme Particle Size

The compositions of the invention contain nanoparticulate active agentparticles which have an effective average particle size of less thanabout 2000 nm (i.e., 2 microns), less than about 1900 nm, less thanabout 1800 nm, less than about 1700 nm, less than about 1600 nm, lessthan about 1500 nm, less than about 1400 nm, less than about 1300 nm,less than about 1200 nm, less than about 1100 nm, less than about 1000nm, less than about 900 nm, less than about 800 nm, less than about 700nm, less than about 600 nm, less than about 500 nm, less than about 400nm, less than about 300 nm, less than about 250 nm, less than about 200nm, less than about 150 nm, less than about 100 nm, less than about 75nm, or less than about 50 nm, as measured by light-scattering methods,microscopy, or other appropriate methods.

By “an effective average particle size of less than about 2000 nm” it ismeant that at least 50% by weight of the active agent particles have aparticle size less than the effective average, i.e., less than about2000 nm, 1900 nm, 1800 nm, etc., when measured by the above-notedtechniques. In other embodiments of the invention, at least about 70%,at least about 90%, or at least about 95% of the active agent particleshave a particle size less than the effective average, i.e., less thanabout 2000 nm, 1900 nm, 1800 nm, etc.

5. Concentration of Nanoparticulate Active Agent and Stabilizer

The relative amounts of active agent and lysozyme, and optionally one ormore secondary surface stabilizers, can vary widely. The optimal amountof the individual components can depend, for example, upon theparticular active agent selected, the hydrophilic lipophilic balance(HLB), melting point, and the surface tension of water solutions of thestabilizer, etc.

The concentration of lysozyme can vary from about 0.5% to about 99.999%,from about 5.0% to about 99.9%, or from about 10% to about 99.5%, byweight, based on the total combined dry weight of the at least oneactive agent and lysozyme, not including other excipients.

The concentration of the active agent can vary from about 99.5% to about0.001%, from about 95% to about 0.1%, or from about 90% to about 0.5%,by weight based on the total combined dry weight of the active agent andsurface stabilizer, not including other excipients.

B. Methods of Making Nanoparticulate Formulations

The nanoparticulate active agent compositions can be made using, forexample, milling, homogenization, or precipitation techniques. Exemplarymethods of making nanoparticulate compositions are described in the '684patent. Methods of making nanoparticulate compositions are alsodescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,518,187 for “Method of GrindingPharmaceutical Substances;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,718,388 for “ContinuousMethod of Grinding Pharmaceutical Substances;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,862,999for “Method of Grinding Pharmaceutical Substances;” U.S. Pat. No.5,665,331 for “Co-Microprecipitation of Nanoparticulate PharmaceuticalAgents with Crystal Growth Modifiers;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,662,883 for“Co-Microprecipitation of Nanoparticulate Pharmaceutical Agents withCrystal Growth Modifiers;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,560,932 for“Microprecipitation of Nanoparticulate Pharmaceutical Agents;” U.S. Pat.No. 5,543,133 for “Process of Preparing X-Ray Contrast CompositionsContaining Nanoparticles;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,534,270 for “Method ofPreparing Stable Drug Nanoparticles;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,510,118 for“Process of Preparing Therapeutic Compositions ContainingNanoparticles;” and U.S. Pat. No. 5,470,583 for “Method of PreparingNanoparticle Compositions Containing Charged Phospholipids to ReduceAggregation,” all of which are specifically incorporated by reference.

The resultant nanoparticulate active agent compositions can be utilizedin solid or liquid dosage formulations, such as controlled releaseformulations, solid dose fast melt formulations, aerosol formulations,nasal formulations, lyophilized formulations, tablets, capsules, solidlozenge, powders, creams, ointments, etc.

1. Milling to Obtain Nanoparticulate Active Agent Dispersions

Milling the active agent to obtain a nanoparticulate dispersioncomprises dispersing active agent particles in a liquid dispersionmedium in which the active agent is poorly soluble, followed by applyingmechanical means in the presence of grinding media to reduce theparticle size of the active agent to the desired effective averageparticle size. The dispersion medium can be, for example, water,safflower oil, ethanol, t-butanol, glycerin, polyethylene glycol (PEG),hexane, or glycol.

The active agent particles can be reduced in size in the presence oflysozyme. Alternatively, the active agent particles can be contactedwith lysozyme after attrition. One or more secondary surface stabilizersmay also be added before or after attrition. Other compounds, such as adiluent, can be added to the active agent/surface stabilizer compositionduring the size reduction process. Dispersions can be manufacturedcontinuously or in a batch mode.

2. Precipitation to Obtain Nanoparticulate Active Agent Compositions

Another method of forming the desired nanoparticulate composition is bymicroprecipitation. This is a method of preparing stable dispersions ofpoorly soluble active agents in the presence of one or more surfacestabilizers and one or more colloid stability enhancing surface activeagents free of any trace toxic solvents or solubilized heavy metalimpurities. Such a method comprises, for example: (1) dissolving thepoorly soluble active agent in a suitable solvent; (2) adding theformulation from step (1) to a solution comprising lysozyme andoptionally one or more secondary surface stabilizers, to form a clearsolution; and (3) precipitating the formulation from step (2) using anappropriate non-solvent. The method can be followed by removal of anyformed salt, if present, by dialysis or diafiltration and concentrationof the dispersion by conventional means.

3. Homogenization to Obtain Nanoparticulate Active Agent Compositions

Exemplary homogenization methods of preparing active agentnanoparticulate compositions are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,510,118,for “Process of Preparing Therapeutic Compositions ContainingNanoparticles.”

Such a method comprises dispersing active agent particles in a liquiddispersion medium in which active agent is poorly soluble, followed bysubjecting the dispersion to homogenization to reduce the particle sizeof the active agent to the desired effective average particle size. Theactive agent particles can be reduced in size in the presence oflysozyme and, if desired, one or more additional surface stabilizers.Alternatively, the active agent particles can be contacted with lysozymeand, if desired, one or more additional surface stabilizers eitherbefore or after attrition. Other compounds, such as a diluent, can beadded to the active agent/lysozyme composition either before, during, orafter the size reduction process. Dispersions can be manufacturedcontinuously or in a batch mode.

C. Methods of Using Nanoparticulate Active Agent Formulations

The nanoparticulate compositions of the present invention can beadministered to humans and animals via any conventional means including,but not limited to, orally, rectally, ocularly, parenterally(intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous), intracisternally,pulmonary, intravaginally, intraperitoneally, locally (powders,ointments or drops), or as a buccal or nasal spray.

Compositions suitable for parenteral injection may comprisephysiologically acceptable sterile aqueous or nonaqueous solutions,dispersions, suspensions or emulsions and sterile powders forreconstitution into sterile injectable solutions or dispersions.Examples of suitable aqueous and nonaqueous carriers, diluents,solvents, or vehicles including water, ethanol, polyols(propyleneglycol, polyethylene-glycol, glycerol, and the like), suitablemixtures thereof, vegetable oils (such as olive oil) and injectableorganic esters such as ethyl oleate. Proper fluidity can be maintained,for example, by the use of a coating such as lecithin, by themaintenance of the required particle size in the case of dispersions,and by the use of surfactants.

The nanoparticulate compositions may also contain adjuvants such aspreserving, wetting, emulsifying, and dispensing agents. Prevention ofthe growth of microorganisms can be ensured by various antibacterial andantifungal agents, such as parabens, chlorobutanol, phenol, sorbic acid,and the like. It may also be desirable to include isotonic agents, suchas sugars, sodium chloride, and the like. Prolonged absorption of theinjectable pharmaceutical form can be brought about by the use of agentsdelaying absorption, such as aluminum monostearate and gelatin.

Solid dosage forms for oral administration include capsules, tablets,pills, powders, and granules. In such solid dosage forms, the activeagent is admixed with at least one of the following: (a) one or moreinert excipients (or carrier), such as sodium citrate or dicalciumphosphate; (b) fillers or extenders, such as starches, lactose, sucrose,glucose, mannitol, and silicic acid; (c) binders, such ascarboxymethylcellulose, alignates, gelatin, polyvinylpyrrolidone,sucrose and acacia; (d) humectants, such as glycerol; (e) disintegratingagents, such as agar-agar, calcium carbonate, potato or tapioca starch,alginic acid, certain complex silicates, and sodium carbonate; (f)solution retarders, such as paraffin; (g) absorption accelerators, suchas quaternary ammonium compounds; (h) wetting agents, such as cetylalcohol and glycerol monostearate; (i) adsorbents, such as kaolin andbentonite; and (j) lubricants, such as talc, calcium stearate, magnesiumstearate, solid polyethylene glycols, sodium lauryl sulfate, or mixturesthereof. For capsules, tablets, and pills, the dosage forms may alsocomprise buffering agents.

Liquid dosage forms for oral administration include pharmaceuticallyacceptable emulsions, solutions, suspensions, syrups, and elixirs. Inaddition to the active agent, the liquid dosage forms may comprise inertdiluents commonly used in the art, such as water or other solvents,solubilizing agents, and emulsifiers. Exemplary emulsifiers are ethylalcohol, isopropyl alcohol, ethyl carbonate, ethyl acetate, benzylalcohol, benzyl benzoate, propyleneglycol, 1,3-butyleneglycol,dimethylformamide, oils, such as cottonseed oil, groundnut oil, corngerm oil, olive oil, castor oil, and sesame oil, glycerol,tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, polyethyleneglycols, fatty acid esters ofsorbitan, or mixtures of these substances, and the like.

Besides such inert diluents, the composition can also include adjuvants,such as wetting agents, emulsifying and suspending agents, sweetening,flavoring, and perfuming agents.

Actual dosage levels of active agent in the nanoparticulate compositionsof the invention may be varied to obtain an amount of active agent thatis effective to obtain a desired therapeutic response for a particularcomposition and method of administration. The selected dosage leveltherefore depends upon the desired therapeutic effect, the route ofadministration, the potency of the administered active agent, thedesired duration of treatment, and other factors.

Dosage unit compositions may contain such amounts of such submultiplesthereof as may be used to make up the daily dose. It will be understood,however, that the specific dose level for any particular patient willdepend upon a variety of factors including the body weight, generalhealth, sex, diet, time and route of administration, potency of theadministered active agent, rates of absorption and excretion,combination with other active agents, and the severity of the particulardisease being treated.

The following examples are given to illustrate the present invention. Itshould be understood, however, that the invention is not to be limitedto the specific conditions or details described in these examples.Throughout the specification, any and all references to a publiclyavailable document, including a U.S. patent, are specificallyincorporated by reference.

In the examples that follow, the value for D50 is the particle sizebelow which 50% of the active agent particles fall. Similarly, D90 isthe particle size below which 90% of the active agent particles fall.

The formulations in the examples that follow were also investigatedusing a light microscope. Here, “stable” nanoparticulate dispersions(uniform Brownian motion) were readily distinguishable from “aggregated”dispersions (relatively large, nonuniform particles without motion).

Example 1

The purpose of this example was to prepare nanoparticulate formulationsof naproxen using different proteins as surface stabilizers.

Naproxen is an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic having thefollowing chemical structure:

The compound has a molecular weight of 230.3 g, and a solubility inwater of 16 g/mL at pH 2 and 3.2 mg/mL at pH 7.5.

An aqueous dispersion of 1 wt. % protein surface stabilizer (see Table1, below) and 5 wt. % naproxen was charged into a 10 cc batch chamber ofa NanoMill® (Elan Pharmaceutical Technologies, Inc.) (See e.g., WO00/72973 for “Small-Scale Mill and Method Thereof.” Milling wasconducted at 5000 rpm at 5° C. The results are shown below in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Mean Particle D50 Particle D90 Particle Protein Size (nm) Size(nm) Size (nm) Microscope fibrinogen 18651 16189 32027 Aggregatedγ-globulin 24453 16201 49416 Aggregated albumin 13559 11073 20974Aggregated casein 22768 11852 59611 Aggregated lysozyme 81 78 114 Stable

The results demonstrate that only lysozyme was capable of functioning asa surface stabilizer to form a stable nanoparticulate composition ofnaproxen. Nanoparticulate compositions of naproxen and lysozyme had amean particle size of 81 nm, with a D50 and D90 of 78 nm and 114 nm,respectively.

In contrast, every other protein stabilizer resulted in naproxencompositions having large particle sizes (i.e., mean particle sizes ofabout 13.6 to 22.8 microns, D50 particle sizes of 11.1 to 16.2 microns,and D90 particle sizes of 21.0 to 59.6 microns).

Example 2

The purpose of this example was to prepare nanoparticulate formulationsof the x-ray contrast agent benzoic acid,3,5-bis(acetylamino)-2,4,6-triodo-4-(ethyl-3-ethoxy-2-butenoate) ester(WIN 68209) using different protein surface stabilizers.

WIN 68209 has the following chemical structure:

An aqueous dispersion of 1 wt. % protein surface stabilizer (see Table2, below) and 5 wt. % WIN 68209 was charged into a 10 cc batch chamberof a NanoMill® (Elan Pharmaceutical Technologies, Inc.). Milling wasconducted at 5500 rpm at 5° C. The results are shown below in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Mean Particle D50 Particle D90 Particle Protein Size (nm) Size(nm) Size (nm) Microscope fibrinogen 6044 5695 10744 Aggregatedγ-globulin 4685 4334 8726 Aggregated albumin 8290 7472 15137 Aggregatedcasein 5407 4571 10094 Aggregated lysozyme 82 78 116 Stable

The results demonstrate that only lysozyme was capable of functioning asa surface stabilizer to form a stable nanoparticulate composition of WIN68209. Nanoparticulate compositions of WIN 68209 and lysozyme had a meanparticle size of 82 nm, with a D50 and D90 of 78 nm and 116 nm,respectively.

In contrast, every other protein stabilizer resulted in WIN 68209compositions having large particle sizes (i.e., mean particle sizes ofabout 4.7 to 8.3 microns, D50 particle sizes of 4.3 to 7.5 microns, andD90 particle sizes of 8.7 to 15 microns).

Example 3

The purpose of this example was to prepare nanoparticulate formulationsof itraconazole using different protein surface stabilizers.

Itraconazole is an antifungal compound having the following structure:

An aqueous dispersion of 1 wt. % protein surface stabilizer (see Table3, below) and 5 wt. % itraconazole (Wyckoff, Inc., South Haven, Mich.;Itraconazole Powder, Lot No. IT-01L01-P, Date of Manufacture: 4 Nov.2001) was charged into a 10 cc batch chamber of a NanoMill® (ElanPharmaceutical Technologies, Inc.). Milling was conducted at 5500 rpm at5° C. The results are shown below in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Protein Mean (nm) D50 (nm) D90 (nm) Microscope fibrinogen 41873745 7986 Aggregated γ-globulin 10949 9284 20623 Aggregated albumin 92197963 18969 Aggregated casein 6289 5735 11222 Aggregated lysozyme 930 4501937 Stable

The results demonstrate that only lysozyme was capable of functioning asa surface stabilizer to form a stable nanoparticulate composition ofitraconazole. Nanoparticulate compositions of itraconazole and lysozymehad a mean particle size of 930 nm, with a D50 and D90 of 450 nm and1937 nm, respectively.

In contrast, every other protein stabilizer resulted in itraconazolecompositions having large particle sizes (i.e., mean particle sizes of4.2 to 10.9 microns, D50 particle sizes of 3.7 to 9.3 microns, and D90particle sizes of 8.0 to 20.6 microns).

Example 4

The purpose of this example was to prepare nanoparticulate formulationsof prednisolone using different protein surface stabilizers.Prednisolone, a steroid hormone, is a dehydrogenated analogue ofcortisol (hydrocortisone).

An aqueous dispersion of 1 wt. % protein surface stabilizer (see Table4, below) and 5 wt. % prednisolone acetate was charged into a 10 ccbatch chamber of a NanoMill® (Elan Pharmaceutical Technologies, Inc.).Milling was conducted at 5500 rpm at 5° C. The results are shown belowin Table 4.

TABLE 4 Protein Mean (nm) D50 (nm) D90 (nm) Microscope fibrinogen 53565221 8910 Aggregated γ-globulin 5008 4801 8895 Aggregated albumin 2781718120 58730 Aggregated casein 13394 4173 13278 Aggregated lysozyme 143139 191 Stable

The results demonstrate that only lysozyme was capable of functioning asa surface stabilizer to form a stable nanoparticulate composition ofprednisolone acetate. Nanoparticulate compositions of prednisoloneacetate and lysozyme had a mean particle size of 143 nm, with a D50 andD90 of 139 nm and 191 nm, respectively.

In contrast, every other protein stabilizer resulted in prednisoloneacetate compositions having large particle sizes (i.e., mean particlesizes of 5.0 to 27.8 microns, D50 particle sizes of 4.8 to 18.1 microns,and D90 particle sizes of 8.9 to 58.7 microns).

Example 5

The purpose of this example was to prepare nanoparticulate formulationsof budesonide using different protein surface stabilizers. Budesonide,which is a corticosteroid, has the following chemical structure:

An aqueous dispersion of 1 wt. % protein surface stabilizer (see Table5, below) and 5 wt. % budesonide was charged into a 10 cc batch chamberof a NanoMill® (Elan Pharmaceutical Technologies, Inc.). Milling wasconducted at 5500 rpm at 5° C. The results are shown below in Table 5.

TABLE 5 Protein Mean (nm) D50 (nm) D90 (nm) Microscope fibrinogen 51134566 9594 Aggregated γ-globulin 6168 4703 11786 Aggregated albumin 69465826 14160 Aggregated casein 16302 6340 31346 Aggregated lysozyme 393328 565 Stable

The results demonstrate that only lysozyme was capable of functioning asa surface stabilizer to form a stable nanoparticulate composition ofbudesonide. Nanoparticulate compositions of budesonide and lysozyme hada mean particle size of 393 nm, with a D50 and D90 of 328 nm and 565 nm,respectively.

In contrast, every other protein stabilizer resulted in budesonidecomposition having large particle sizes (i.e., mean particle sizes of5.1 to 16.3 microns, D50 particle sizes of 4.6 to 6.3 microns, and D90particle sizes of 9.6 to 31.3 microns).

Example 6

The purpose of this example was to prepare nanoparticulate formulationsof lutein using lysozyme as a protein surface stabilizer. Lutein is acarotenoid found in vegetables and fruits. Lutein acts as anantioxidant, protecting cells against the damaging effects of freeradicals. The compound has the chemical formula C₄₀H₅₂O₂ and a molecularweight of 568.88.

An aqueous dispersion of 1 wt. % lysozyme and 5 wt. % lutein was chargedinto a 10 cc batch chamber of a NanoMill® (Elan PharmaceuticalTechnologies, Inc.). Milling was conducted at 5500 rpm at 5° C. Theresults are shown below in Table 6.

TABLE 6 Mean Protein (nm) D50 (nm) D90 (nm) Microscope lysozyme 561 534800 Stable

The results demonstrate that lysozyme was capable of functioning as asurface stabilizer to form a stable nanoparticulate composition oflutein. Nanoparticulate compositions of lutein and lysozyme had a meanparticle size of 561 nm, with a D50 and D90 of 534 nm and 800 nm,respectively.

Example 7

The purpose of this example was to prepare nanoparticulate formulationsof various active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) compounds usinglysozyme as a surface stabilizer.

An aqueous dispersion of 1 wt. % lysozyme (see Table 7, below) and 5 wt.% API was charged into either a NanoMill™ equipped with a 10 cc batchchamber, or a DynoMill® (Type: KDL; Mfg.: Willy Bachofen, Basel,Switzerland) equipped with a 150 cc batch chamber. In the case of theNanoMill™, the mill speeds ranged from 2000 to 5500 rpm, while in theDynoMill®, milling was conducted at 4200 rpm. In both mills, thetemperature was maintained at 5° C., while the total mill time variedfrom 0.5 to 2 hours. Following milling, the mean particle size, D50, andD90 were measured for each API milled sample. Each milled compositionwas also evaluated via a microscope to detect any aggregation. Theresults are shown below in Table 7.

TABLE 7 Mill Mill Mean D50 D90 Speed Time API (nm) (nm) (nm) MicroscopeMill (rpm) (hr) Compound A 141 119 228 Stable Nano 5500 2 Compound B 191183 265 Stable Nano 5500 1 Compound C 201 180 289 Stable Nano 5500 2Compound D 795 384 1948 Stable Nano 5500 0.5 Compound E 338 304 501Stable Nano 5500 1 Compound F 110 104 169 Stable Nano 5500 0.5 CompoundG 264 252 352 Stable Nano 5500 0.5 Policosanol 1357 553 3599 Stable Nano5500 2 Benzoyl 122 110 196 Stable Nano 5500 1 Peroxide Triamcinolone 114107 172 Stable Nano 2500 0.5 Paclitaxel 141 130 190 Stable Nano 4000 0.5Barium Sulfate 277 268 377 Stable Dyno 4200 1.5 Ketoprofen 85 84 114Stable Dyno 4200 1

The results demonstrate that lysozyme is capable of functioning as asurface stabilizer to form a stable nanoparticulate composition witheach of the API compounds. Nanoparticulate compositions of the variousAPI compounds and lysozyme had mean particles sizes ranging from 85 to1357 nm, with D50 and D90 sizes ranging from 84 to 553 nm and 114 to3599 nm, respectively.

Example 8

The purpose of this example was to prepare a nanoparticulate dispersionof fluticasone propionate utilizing lysozyme as a surface stabilizer.

Fluticasone propionate is a synthetic, trifluorinated, corticosteroidhaving the chemical name ofS-fluoromethyl-6α,9-difluoro-11β-hydroxy-16α-methyl-3-oxoandrosta-1,4-diene-17β-carbothioate,17-propionate, and the empirical formula C₂₅H₃₁F₃O₅S. It is practicallyinsoluble in water.

A mixture of 5% w/w fluticasone propionate and 2% lysozyme was milledfor 30 min. under high energy milling conditions in a NanoMill® (ElanDrug Delivery, Inc.) equipped with a 18 cc batch chamber. 500 μmpolymeric attrition media (The Dow Chemical Co., Midland, Mich.) wasutilized in the milling process.

Particle size analysis of the milled fluticasone propionate composition,conducted using a Horiba LA-910 particle size analyzer (Irvine, Calif.)showed a final fluticasone propionate mean particle size of 311 nm.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the methods and compositionsof the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover themodifications and variations of this invention provided they come withinthe scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

1. A bioadhesive nanoparticulate composition comprising at least oneactive agent having lysozyme adsorbed on the surface thereof as asurface stabilizer in an amount sufficient to maintain the active agentparticles at an effective average particle size of less than about 2000nm.
 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one active agentis: (a) selected from the group consisting of a drug, vitamin, herb,cosmetic agent, coloring agent, flavor agent, fragrance agent,sunscreen, moisturizer, deodorant, hair conditioner agent, hair dye,hair spray agent, hair cosmetic agent, hair cleanser agent, depilatoryagent, insecticide, fertilizer, pesticide, herbicide, germicide, andplant growth regulating agent; or (b) selected from the group consistingof proteins, peptides, nutraceuticals, carotenoids, anti-obesity agents,corticosteroids, elastase inhibitors, analgesics, anti-fungals, oncologytherapies, anti-emetics, analgesics, cardiovascular agents,anti-inflammatory agents, anthelmintics, anti-arrhythmic agents,antibiotics, anticoagulants, antidepressants, antidiabetic agents,antiepileptics, antihistamines, antihypertensive agents, antimuscarinicagents, antimycobacterial agents, antineoplastic agents,immunosuppressants, antithyroid agents, antiviral agents, anxiolyticsedatives, astringents, beta-adrenoceptor blocking agents, bloodproducts and substitutes, cardiac inotropic agents, contrast media,cough suppressants, diagnostic agents, diagnostic imaging agents,diuretics, dopaminergics, haemostatics, immunological agents, lipidregulating agents, muscle relaxants, parasympathomimetics, parathyroidcalcitonin and biphosphonates, prostaglandins, radio-pharmaceuticals,sex hormones, anti-allergic agents, stimulants and anoretics,sympathomimetics, thyroid agents, vasodilators, xanthines, acnemedication, alpha-hydroxy formulations, cystic-fibrosis therapies,asthma therapies, emphysema therapies, respiratory distress syndrometherapies, chronic bronchitis therapies, chronic obstructive pulmonarydisease therapies, organ-transplant rejection therapies, therapies fortuberculosis and other infections of the lung, and respiratory illnesstherapies associated with acquired immune deficiency syndrome. 3.-4.(canceled)
 5. The composition of claim 1, wherein: (a) the at least oneactive agent is present in an amount selected from the group consistingof from about 99.5% to about 0.001%, from about 95% to about 0.1%, andfrom about 90% to about 0.5%, by weight based on the total combinedweight of the active agent and surface stabilizer, not including otherexcipients; (b) lysozyme is present in an amount selected from the groupconsisting of from about 0.5% to about 99.999%, from about 5.0% to about99.9%, and from about 10% to about 99.5%, by weight, based on the totalcombined dry weight of the active agent and lysozyme, not includingother excipients; or (c) any combination thereof.
 6. (canceled)
 7. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the at least one active agent isselected from the group consisting of a crystalline phase, an amorphousphase, a semi-crystalline phase, and mixtures thereof.
 8. Thecomposition of claim 1, further comprising at least one secondarysurface stabilizer which is not lysozyme, and which is a cationicsurface stabilizer. 9.-10. (canceled)
 11. The composition of claim 8,wherein the at least one cationic surface stabilizer is selected fromthe group consisting of: (a) a polymer, a biopolymer, a polysaccharide,a cellulosic, an alginate, a nonpolymeric compound, a phospholipid,zwitterionic stabilizers, poly-n-methylpyridinium, anthryul pyridiniumchloride, chitosan, polylysine, polyvinylimidazole, polybrene,polymethylmethacrylate trimethylammoniumbromide bromide (PMMTMABr),hexyldesyltrimethylammonium bromide (HDMAB),polyvinylpyrrolidone-2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate dimethyl sulfate,1,2 Dipalmitoyl-sn-Glycero-3-Phosphoethanolamine-N-[Amino(PolyethyleneGlycol)2000] (sodium salt), Poly(2-methacryloxyethyl trimethylammoniumbromide), poloxamines, lysozyme, alginic acid, carrageenan, and POLYOX;or (b) cationic lipids, sulfonium, phosphonium, quarternary ammoniumcompounds, stearyltrimethylammonium chloride,benzyl-di(2-chloroethyl)ethylammonium bromide, coconut trimethylammonium chloride, coconut trimethyl ammonium bromide, coconut methyldihydroxyethyl ammonium chloride, coconut methyl dihydroxyethyl ammoniumbromide, decyl triethyl ammonium chloride, decyl dimethyl hydroxyethylammonium chloride, decyl dimethyl hydroxyethyl ammonium bromide,C₁₂₋₁₅-dimethyl hydroxyethyl ammonium chloride, C₁₂₋₁₅-dimethylhydroxyethyl ammonium bromide, coconut dimethyl hydroxyethyl ammoniumchloride, coconut dimethyl hydroxyethyl ammonium bromide, myristyltrimethyl ammonium methyl sulphate, lauryl dimethyl benzyl ammoniumchloride, lauryl dimethyl benzyl ammonium bromide, lauryldimethyl(ethenoxy)₄ ammonium chloride, lauryl dimethyl(ethenoxy)₄ammonium bromide, N-alkyl(C₁₂₋₁₈)dimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride,N-alkyl(C₁₄₋₁₈)dimethyl-benzyl ammonium chloride,N-tetradecylidmethylbenzyl ammonium chloride monohydrate, dimethyldidecyl ammonium chloride, N-alkyl and (C₁₂₋₁₄)dimethyl 1-napthylmethylammonium chloride, trimethylammonium halide, alkyl-trimethylammoniumsalts, dialkyl-dimethylammonium salts, lauryl trimethyl ammoniumchloride, ethoxylated alkyamidoalkyldialkylammonium salt, an ethoxylatedtrialkyl ammonium salt, dialkylbenzene dialkylammonium chloride,N-didecyldimethyl ammonium chloride, N-tetradecyldimethylbenzylammonium, chloride monohydrate, N-alkyl(C₁₂₋₁₄)dimethyl 1-naphthylmethylammonium chloride, dodecyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride, dialkylbenzenealkyl ammonium chloride, lauryl trimethyl ammonium chloride,alkylbenzyl methyl ammonium chloride, alkyl benzyl dimethyl ammoniumbromide, C₁₂, C₁₅, C₁₇ trimethyl ammonium bromides, dodecylbenzyltriethyl ammonium chloride, poly-diallyldimethylammonium chloride(DADMAC), dimethyl ammonium chlorides, alkyldimethylammoniumhalogenides, tricetyl methyl ammonium chloride, decyltrimethylammoniumbromide, dodecyltriethylammonium bromide, tetradecyltrimethylammoniumbromide, methyl trioctylammonium chloride. POLYQUAT 10™,tetrabutylammonium bromide, benzyl trimethylammonium bromide, cholineesters, benzalkonium chloride, stearalkonium chloride compounds, cetylpyridinium bromide, cetyl pyridinium chloride, halide salts ofquaternized polyoxyethylalkylamines, MIRAPOL™, ALKAQUAT™, alkylpyridinium salts, amines, protonated quaternary acrylamides, methylatedquaternary polymers, and cationic guar; or (c) a nonpolymeric compoundselected from the group consisting of benzalkonium chloride, a carboniumcompound, a phosphonium compound, an oxonium compound, a haloniumcompound, a cationic organometallic compound, a quarternary phosphorouscompound, a pyridinium compound, an anilinium compound, an ammoniumcompound, a hydroxylammonium compound, a primary ammonium compound, asecondary ammonium compound, a tertiary ammonium compound, behenalkoniumchloride, benzethonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride,behentrimonium chloride, lauralkonium chloride, cetalkonium chloride,cetrimonium bromide, cetrimonium chloride, cethylamine hydrofluoride,chlorallylmethenamine chloride (Quaternium-15), distearyldimoniumchloride (Quaternium-5), dodecyl dimethyl ethylbenzyl ammoniumchloride(Quaternium-14), Quaternium-22, Quaternium-26, Quaternium-18hectorite, dimethylaminoethylchloride hydrochloride, cysteinehydrochloride, diethanolammonium POE (10) oletyl ether phosphate,diethanolammonium POE (3)oleyl ether phosphate, tallow alkoniumchloride, dimethyl dioctadecylammoniumbentonite, stearalkonium chloride,domiphen bromide, denatonium benzoate, myristalkonium chloride,laurtrimonium chloride, ethylenediamine dihydrochloride, guanidinehydrochloride, pyridoxine HCl, iofetamine hydrochloride, megluminehydrochloride, methylbenzethonium chloride, myrtrimonium bromide,oleyltrimonium chloride, polyquaternium-1, procainehydrochloride,cocobetaine, stearalkonium bentonite, stearalkoniumhectonite, stearyltrihydroxyethyl propylenediamine dihydrofluoride, tallowtrimoniumchloride, and hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide.
 12. (canceled) 13.The composition of claim 11, wherein the amine is selected from thegroup consisting of alkylamines, dialkylamines, alkanolamines,polyethylenepolyamines, N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl acrylates, vinyl pyridine,amine salts, lauryl amine acetate, stearyl amine acetate,alkylpyridinium salt, alkylimidazolium salt, amine oxides, and, imideazolinium salts.
 14. (canceled)
 15. The composition of claim 1, whereinthe effective average particle size of the nanoparticulate compositionis selected from the group consisting of less than about 1900 nm, lessthan about 1800 nm, less than about 1700 nm, less than about 1600 nm,less than about 1500 nm, less than about 1000 nm, less than about 1400nm, less than about 1300 nm, less than about 1200 nm, less than about1100 nm, less than about 900 nm, less than about 800 nm, less than about700 nm, less than about 600 nm, less than about 500 nm, less than about400 nm, less than about 300 nm, less than about 250 nm, less than about200 nm, less than about 150 nm, less than about 100 nm, less than about75 nm, and less than about 50 nm.
 16. The composition of claim 15,wherein at least about 70%, at least about 90%, or at least about 95% ofthe active agent particles have a particle size less than the effectiveaverage particle size.
 17. The composition of claim 1, wherein thecomposition further comprises one or more pharmaceutically acceptableexcipients, carriers, or a combination thereof.
 18. The composition ofclaim 1, wherein the composition adsorbs to a biological surfaceselected from the group consisting of an insect, teeth, bone, nails,chitin, feathers, scales, mucous, skin, hair, and plant tissue.
 19. Thecomposition of claim 1 in a dry powder form.
 20. A method of making abioadhesive, nanoparticulate composition comprising at least one activeagent having lysozyme adsorbed on the surface thereof in an amountsufficient to maintain the active agent particles at an effectiveaverage particle size of less than about 2000 nm, said method comprisingcontacting said at least one active agent with lysozyme for a time andunder conditions sufficient to provide an active agent/lysozymecomposition having an effective average particle size of less than about2000 nm.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein said contacting comprisinggrinding, wet grinding, homogenizing. 22.-23. (canceled)
 24. The methodof claim 20, wherein said contacting comprises: (a) dissolving theactive agent particles in a solvent; (b) adding the resulting activeagent solution to a solution comprising lysozyme; and (c) precipitatingthe solubilized active agent/lysozyme composition by the additionthereto of a non-solvent.
 25. The method of claim 20, wherein the atleast one active agent is selected from the group consisting of a drug,vitamin, herb, cosmetic agent, coloring agent, flavor agent, fragranceagent, sunscreen, moisturizer, deodorant, hair conditioner agent, hairdye, hair spray agent, hair cosmetic agent, hair cleanser agent,depilatory agent, insecticide, fertilizer, pesticide, herbicide,germicide, and plant growth regulating agent.
 26. The method of claim20, wherein the at least one active agent is selected from the groupconsisting of proteins, peptides, nutraceuticals, carotenoids,anti-obesity agents, corticosteroids, elastase inhibitors, analgesics,anti-fungals, oncology therapies, anti-emetics, analgesics,cardiovascular agents, anti-inflammatory agents, anthelmintics,anti-arrhythmic agents, antibiotics, anticoagulants, antidepressants,antidiabetic agents, antiepileptics, antihistamines, antihypertensiveagents, antimuscarinic agents, antimycobacterial agents, antineoplasticagents, immunosuppressants, antithyroid agents, antiviral agents,anxiolytic sedatives, astringents, beta-adrenoceptor blocking agents,blood products and substitutes, cardiac inotropic agents, contrastmedia, cough suppressants, diagnostic agents, diagnostic imaging agents,diuretics, dopaminergics, haemostatics, immunological agents, lipidregulating agents, muscle relaxants, parasympathomimetics, parathyroidcalcitonin and biphosphonates, prostaglandins, radio-pharmaceuticals,sex hormones, anti-allergic agents, stimulants and anoretics,sympathomimetics, thyroid agents, vasodilators, xanthines, acnemedication, alpha-hydroxy formulations, cystic-fibrosis therapies,asthma therapies, emphysema therapies, respiratory distress syndrometherapies, chronic bronchitis therapies, chronic obstructive pulmonarydisease therapies, organ-transplant rejection therapies, therapies fortuberculosis and other infections of the lung, and respiratory illnesstherapies associated with acquired immune deficiency syndrome. 27.-29.(canceled)
 30. The method of claim 20, further comprising at least onesecondary surface stabilizer which is not lysozyme, and which is acationic surface stabilizer. 31.-36. (canceled)
 37. The method of claim20, wherein the effective average particle size of the nanoparticulatecomposition is selected from the group consisting of less than about1900 nm, less than about 1800 nm, less than about 1700 nm, less thanabout 1600 nm, less than about 1500 nm, less than about 1400 nm, lessthan about 1300 nm, less than about 1200 nm, less than about 1100 nm,less than about 1000 nm, less than about 900 nm, less than about 800 nm,less than about 700 nm, less than about 600 nm, less than about 500 nm,less than about 400 nm, less than about 300 nm, less than about 250 nm,less than about 200 nm, less than about 150 nm, less than about 100 nm,less than about 75 nm, and less than about 50 nm.
 38. The method ofclaim 37, wherein at least about 70%, at least about 90%, or at leastabout 95% of the active agent particles have a particle size less thanthe effective average particle size.
 39. A method of treating a mammalin need with a bioadhesive nanoparticulate composition comprising: (a)at least one active agent; and (b) lysozyme as a surface stabilizeradsorbed on the surface of the active agent, wherein the methodcomprises administering to said mammal a therapeutically effectiveamount of the nanoparticulate composition, wherein the active agentparticles have an effective average particle size of less than about2000 nm. 40.-44. (canceled)
 45. The method of claim 39, furthercomprising at least one secondary surface stabilizer which is notlysozyme, and which is a cationic surface stabilizer. 46.-53. (canceled)